United Way of Clinton County is pleased to announce the launch of HelpLink 2-1-1, an information and referral helpline for health and human services. Staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, calls are answered by professionally trained operators who have ready resources through a directory of social service agencies.

Through a collaboration of neighboring United Way organizations including Butler County United Way, United Way of the Greater Dayton Area, United Way of Oxford, Ohio & Vicinity, and United Way of Warren County, United Way of Clinton County was able to join in the mix to offer this important tool to Clinton County residents as well as Hillsboro in Highland County.

“We are so excited to be able to provide this service to the communities we serve; being part of this collaborative has made it possible,” added Amanda Harrison, President & CEO of United Way of Clinton County. “Asking for help is sometimes hard and HelpLink 2-1-1 provides an easy method for people to take that first step.”

Residents in need can simply phone 2-1-1 to reach a live operator. Individuals who have pre-paid mobile phones or mobile phones with a non-local area code may call 855.405.7629 for prompt assistance; the TDD phone number is 937.910.6040. The HelpLink 2-1-1 resource directory may also be accessed online at www.211.org.

2-1-1 currently serves nearly 10.9 million people in 70 counties within Ohio. Over one million phone calls plus an additional 400,000 online views were made to 2-1-1 in 2016, with over 21 percent of the requests focused on housing or utilities assistance, 16% health/mental health, and 16% food needs.